RI COVID Indicators Explode: Transmission Rate Doubles, 5 Deaths, Hospitalizations Up

RI COVID Indicators Explode: Transmission Rate Doubles, 5 Deaths, Hospitalizations Up

All of the tracking measures of COVID-19 are up in Rhode Island, and some have increased dramatically -- raising concerns about Thanksgiving get-togethers.

Rhode Island’s transmission rate has more than doubled in less than two weeks.

The important predictor, the transmission rate, is now over 243 cases per 100,000 over a seven-day period. The state’s action level is 100 per 100,000.

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Generally, the transmission rate is a predictor of hospitalizations and deaths.

Latest Data

On Tuesday, the Rhode Island Department of Health reported five more Rhode Islanders have died from COVID, and the total number of deaths increased to 2,901.

Rhode Island now ranks 8th for cases and 12th for deaths per capita in the United States since the beginning of the pandemic.

Also on Tuesday, the state also reported 516 new cases — a 69% increase in the past 14 days.

Hospitalizations increased to 106 -- an increase of 31% in the past 14 days, according to the New York Times. The percentage increase in hospitalizations is the 4th highest in the U.S.

Governor Dan McKee on Tuesday during his weekly press briefing refused to implement any restrictions.

RIDOH Director Nicole Alexander-Scott said at the briefing, “It’s [having the] vaccine, wearing your mask, getting tested regularly, socially distancing — all of those coming together is what leads to us all enjoying our holidays safely.”

Last year, when there was not a vaccine, Thanksgiving became a superspreader event. Rhode Island saw 1,200 deaths between November and February.

According to Covid ActNow, Rhode Island has a "very high" risk. 

 

EDITOR'S NOTE: A previous version stated the transmission rate is 245, it is 243.